Origami inspires IBM

September 30, 2003|By Tribune Newspapers.

Computer styles are as fickle as hemlines. Designers have already shown next spring's lineup for fashionistas. And IBM engineers are working on prototypes of new machines that may appear a year from now.

The only thing that is sure to appear in the upcoming IBM ThinkPad lineup is the color black. It's as much a part of the decade-old laptop series as black attire was for Johnny Cash.

Beyond that, the ThinkPad models on the drawing boards could have detachable, wireless keyboards, elevated screens and other unusual features.

Two members of the design team, David Hill and John Karidis, likened the creation of prototypes to origami. The models would unfold into something new and unexpected.

The traditional laptop machine opens like a clamshell, the screen moving rearward on a hinge and exposing the keyboard at the base of the system.

IBM is playing around with new concepts to make users more comfortable and productive. The new, unfolding origami machines would have the feel of a desktop without losing portability.

IBM recently showed off two experimental models that use the origami concept. Neither model is guaranteed to come to the market, but the engineers said they could be in production next year if IBM decides there is a market.

"We are not interested in doing something with spray paint and colors," Hill said. "We're striving for synergy of form and function."

A keyboard that is angled for typing comfort and a screen that can be elevated to eye level are the key desktop elements of both origami prototypes.

"We know we can build these machines, but we're still gauging reaction from focus groups and testers," Karidis said. "We want to make something useful and that also looks cool."